Immigration Notes

By: J. G. Azarcon, Esq.
Bipartisan bill for illegals
Republican Senator John McCain of Arizona and Democratic Senator Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts have jointly introduced a bill in Congress that will enable illegal aliens in the U.S. to gain temporary valid status to be classified as H5A.
The guest worker program of this bill is similar to the proposal announced by Pres. George W. Bush last year, matching aliens with job offers from willing employers.
The H5A status will be available to illegal aliens in the U.S. and foreign workers outside the U.S. who have job offers from U.S. employers. The visa will be good for three years initially, with option to extend for another three years. While in status, the alien will be able to travel in and out of the U.S. After six years in status, the alien would qualify for adjustment to permanent resident provided that they have learned English and committed no crime.
Applicants will have to compete for 400,000 annual H5A visas. They will have to pass medical and police background checks. The application fee for illegal aliens in the U.S. will be $1,000.00 and $500.00 for foreign workers outside the U.S.
The bill also seeks to strengthen border security.
This is not an amnesty bill. It will not grant valid status to all illegal aliens. Only those with job offers in the U.S. can get H5A status.
Again, a word of caution for those who are very hopeful. This bill still has to go through a lot of debates and hearings. Do not spend your money believing that you can file an application at this time.